Will I be ticketed if the light goes red as I’m passing through?

This question was first posted Oct. 17, 2008. A new question and answer will be posted Thursday.

Q: My understanding has always been that I should exit the intersection before it turns red, and avoid entering the intersection in such a situation that will result in a red exit.

Is this the true stating of the law, or is it legal if you exit the intersection on a red if you entered on a yellow?

A:From State Patrol trooper Curt Boyle:

It isn’t illegal to be in the intersection when the light is yellow.

The yellow light is a warning light to inform drivers that the light will be turning red and to prepare to stop.

If a driver has already entered the intersection when the light changes red then they can clear the intersection.

Attempting to enter the intersection when the light has already turned yellow is very dangerous.

It is not uncommon to have a driver think they entered the intersection on a yellow light when they really entered on a red light.

When a driver looks at the yellow light they are some distance away. Sometimes the distance is so great that by the time they reach the intersection, the light has already turned red without the driver’s noticing it because now the driver has become focused on traffic and getting through the intersection.

Thanks to the people who submitted questions. Previous answers are linked below.